Where is Safford, Arizona

Safford is a city in southeastern Arizona and the county seat of Graham County. It sits about 125 miles northeast of Tucson in the Gila River Valley. The city is known for its agricultural fields, nearby Mount Graham, and access to the Coronado National Forest. Its desert setting is surrounded by rugged mountains and wide open landscapes.

Location Map of Safford, Graham County, Arizona

About Map: The map shows the location of Safford in Graham County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Safford Map, Arizona

Where is Safford Located?

Safford is a city located in Graham County, Arizona, the United States. It lies in southeastern Arizona along the Gila River, about 125 miles northeast of Tucson and roughly 165 miles east of Phoenix. Thatcher borders Safford to the west, while Pima is about 10 miles northwest. Safford is positioned near 32.833° North latitude and 109.707° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 10,576 residents. The city covers about 10.46 square miles, or 27.09 square kilometers. Safford was founded in 1874 and incorporated in 1901. Agriculture has long shaped the local economy, supported by irrigation from the Gila River. Cotton, alfalfa, pecans, and other crops are grown in the surrounding valley. A unique feature of Safford is its location between the Gila River and the Pinaleño Mountains, home to Mount Graham, one of the highest peaks in southern Arizona. The nearby Coronado National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Popular attractions include the Discovery Park Campus, Roper Lake State Park, Mount Graham, and the Gila River. The area also has a strong connection to astronomy because the Large Binocular Telescope and other observatories operate on Mount Graham. US-70 is the main highway through the city, linking Safford with Globe, Duncan, and communities in eastern Arizona.

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Safford City Facts

Distance from Safford, AZ to Nearby Cities

• Thatcher, AZ – 3 miles (5 km)
• Pima, AZ – 10 miles (16 km)
• Fort Thomas, AZ – 20 miles (32 km)
• Solomon, AZ – 10 miles (16 km)
• Clifton, AZ – 60 miles (97 km)
• Globe, AZ – 90 miles (145 km)
• Show Low, AZ – 120 miles (193 km)
• Willcox, AZ – 75 miles (121 km)
• Benson, AZ – 105 miles (169 km)
• Casa Grande, AZ – 150 miles (241 km)
• Tucson, AZ – 125 miles (201 km)
• Sierra Vista, AZ – 130 miles (209 km)
• Douglas, AZ – 155 miles (249 km)
• Phoenix, AZ – 165 miles (266 km)
• Tempe, AZ – 170 miles (274 km)
• Mesa, AZ – 165 miles (266 km)
• Chandler, AZ – 170 miles (274 km)
• Albuquerque, NM – 300 miles (483 km)

Top Attractions in Safford

• Mount Graham – A prominent mountain in the Pinaleño Range rising above the Gila River Valley and offering hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and cooler high-elevation landscapes.
• Roper Lake State Park – A nearby park centered around a spring-fed lake with camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and views of Mount Graham.
• Discovery Park Campus – A science and astronomy center in Safford featuring educational exhibits, telescopes, and information about the observatories on Mount Graham.
• Gila River – The river runs through the valley and supports agriculture, wildlife habitat, fishing, and scenic recreation.
• Coronado National Forest – A large forest area surrounding Mount Graham with hiking trails, campgrounds, wildlife, and mountain scenery.
• Mount Graham International Observatory – A high-elevation astronomical research site featuring major telescopes, including the Large Binocular Telescope.
• Graham County Historical Society Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories from Safford and the surrounding Gila River Valley.
• Dankworth Pond – A nearby recreation area offering fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
• Thatcher Historic District – A nearby area reflecting the agricultural and settlement history of the Gila Valley.

Airports Near Safford, AZ

• Safford Regional Airport (SAD) – 5 miles
• San Carlos Apache Airport (P13) – 75 miles
• Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) – 125 miles
• Tucson International Airport (TUS) – 125 miles
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) – 150 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Safford city website and local government records.

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